In my last message, I asked what GLIPS and the APA can do for you and informed the membership of Dr. Michael Schwartz's grant, funded by the APA, to survey members to understand how we can better suit their needs. In this message, I will elaborate on what GLIPS currently is doing for its members.

GLIPS provides a forum for it's members to interact in a collegial and professional manner to enchance their practice of psychiatry. How is this happening?

We began the academic year with a stimulating and provocative letter on the Future of Psychiatry by Thomas Insel, MD, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health. This year, Otto Kernberg, MD, will present an update on the latest developments in the treatment of borderling patient at our annual General Membership Meeting on October, 7, 2008.

On October 2, 2007, GLIPS sponsored a conference Private Practice 101 at Nassau University Medical Center. This was an informative presentation on the legal aspects if beginnng and ending a practice and financial planning. Malpractice insurance is discounted for APA members and the seminars, provided by Risk Management, are excellent opportunities to learn ways to enhance clinical practice while avoiding errors that lead to unnecessary lawsuits.

The APA office in Washington continues to advocate for parity in the treatment of mental illness and has recently realized success on behalf of the mentally ill and physicians treating them. APA members receive four publications free of charge and enjoy discounts at all APA meetings.

On April 9, 2008, GLIPS sponsored a Residents' Forum at Hillside Hospital for our young members to share the various areas of our profession for their future work. Topics ranged from careers in private practice, state hospitals, research, education, and private hospitals. Risk Management offered sound advice on legal matters. A new partnership with Citibank provides direct access to Ms. Barbara Liquori, Vice President, Relationship Manager (631-265-4604) at the Hauppauge office. Ms. Liquori is a direct contact for all GLIPS members for any banking business ranging from free checking, home equity loans, home mortgage loans, student loans, business loans for an office and advice for financial planning.

In addition, GLIPS has several active groups meeting on a regular basis: Women's Group, International Member's Group, Child Study Group, and a Book Club. GLIPS maintains an active referral list to members for patients requesting psychiatric evaluation and treatment in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Senior members have offered to establish study groups (3-4 sessions) at the request of new members to address clinical issues in the treatment of challenging individuals such as the borderline patient.

How else may the membership benefit? Please ask!